Moving on from the starter template. This transition occurs when the 5x5 back offs pose too much of a demand on a day-to-day basis. The back off work is replaced with 5x5 on the main assistance exercise and an additional assistance exercise is included to increase workload. As explained here:

Quote:

Here's what I'd like to see:

Routine 1 : Firstly this week-in-week-out

Deadlifts 5 x 1
Deadlifts 5 x 5
Ab work

Do that untill the 5x5 is proving to be too stressful, or the thought of even more Deadlifts after your main work makes you sick then switch down to:

Routine 2 : When the Deadlift main sets are starting to get too tiring to do even more Deads as back off work

Routine 3 : Eventually you'll be so strong, even that will be too much and you will need more variety

Deadlifts 3 to 10 singles
Partials/Deficits/High Pulls Work up to 1 top set of 3-5 reps
Shrugs 5 x 5
Ab work

Etc etc.

Can you see the pattern? Work the main lift and just attack it with so much volume that you become exceptionally proficient at it. At that point, lower the volume and add it elsewhere. When that second exercise becomes too strong, then again lower the volume and add in additional exercise for 5 x 5 again. And so on, and so on.

2) Variety is at it's highest yet. The main lifts are worked with singles but the back offs are provided by different exercises. Additonal exercises can be included at this point, the ones listed above are examples. Others could include Dips, RDLs, Snatch Grip Deadlifts, Trap Bar Deadlfts and many other good ones.

3) More than one additional exercise is used per day.

4) Breaks will be taken as required, one should aim for a complete week of light lifting every 4-8 weeks. The rest of the time should be spent lifting heavy.